World MS Day 2017 will take place on Wednesday May 31st and the theme this year is Life with MS, raising awareness of Multiple Sclerosis for people living with MS in County Donegal and their families.

MS Ireland, the national organisation providing vital services, information and support to people with MS, is highlighting the challenges of life with MS including MS attacks, mobility issues, cognitive difficulties and the crucial need for increased neuro rehabilitation services.

Events are planned across Ireland to mark World MS Day 2017 including 9,000 Steps for MS which will see supporters running, walking or dancing 9,000 Steps (6.5k) with colleagues, friends or family.

In Donegal, several events are planned.

On Wednesday the 24th of May, an information day is planned for those with MS, carers, and family members. There will be talks from the Community Neurological Rehabilitation Team, the IWA and DSP Community Employment Scheme. It will take place between 10am and 3pm in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny.

On the 31st of May Donegal Town Support Group will be hosting an information and awareness day at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town between 12pm and 4pm. They encourage you to carry an MS balloon on a lap of the Diamond to show your support.

Throughout June, there will be collection buckets in Homebase, Letterkenny, as they have selected MS Ireland as their chosen charity for the month of June.

MS Ireland are also encouraging you to write to your local TDs and Senators to tackle Ireland’s under-resourced neurology services and rehabilitation services. A list of your TDs can be found by clicking here.

As MS Ireland are launching a new report on MS and Quality of Life, they will be using this opportunity to raise awareness of essential neuro rehabilitation services for people with Multiple Sclerosis during a World MS Day event at Leinster House on May 31st.

To support World MS Day please text STEPS to 50300 and donate €4.

Funds raised will directly help in services provision locally, in particular, physiotherapy, counselling and respite at the national MS Care Centre. Please visit www.ms-society.ie for more information on World MS Day 2017 events.